Hakone (Japan) | Hiroshima (Japan) | Kyoto (Japan) | Osaka (Japan) | Tokyo (Japan)
The following are Signature: Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Welcome to Japan. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Tokyo, a city that pulses with electric energy. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, a sanctuary of calm above the metropolis. Watch the city lights flicker to life from your window or step out to feel the rhythm of the streets, preparing for the immersion into Japanese culture that awaits.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Your first opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and learn more about your tour before your first full day. Your Expedition Leader will be available at a dedicated hospitality desk at the hotel throughout the day to assist next-day schedule guidance, dining suggestions, and personalized support upon arrival.
Meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome presentation then step into the intense world of sumo. Witness the raw power and discipline of wrestlers during a morning training session. After, join the athletes for a hearty chanko-nabe-the traditional hotpot stew eaten daily and gain insight into their regimented lives. In the afternoon, shift gears to the serenity of old Tokyo. Wander the historic district of Asakusa, passing through the massive Thunder Gate to the ancient Senso-ji Temple. Stroll Nakamise Street, inhaling the scent of roasted rice crackers and incense, before a welcome dinner at a local Japanese restaurant nearby.
Begin with a welcome briefing and orientation led by your Expedition Leader, followed by an expert-led "Introduction to Japan" presentation.
Join an expert-led presentation about Japan to begin the journey.
Witness the powerful training of former professional wrestler or amateur wrestler up close, then join them for a hearty chanko-nabe - the traditional hotpot they eat every day to build strength. During the meal, the wrestlers will share their personal stories, experiences, and unique insights into sumo life.
Discover this historic entertainment district on a guided tour of the area with your Expedition Leader. Take in one of Tokyo's iconic sites with a stop at Senso-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple, the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.
Immerse yourself in Tokyo's world-renowned culinary heritage. Visit Tsukiji market to see the day's fresh catch and fragrant food stalls. A sushi lunch follows for the chance to indulge in the Japanese specialty. In the afternoon, explore the dynamic contrasts of the city - moving from the historic Edo period fishing market to the futuristic pulse of Tokyo's modern districts. From the fashion-forward streets of Ginza to the bustling Shibuya Crossing and the serene Meiji Shrine, experience the innovation that defines contemporary Japan alongside your Expedition Leader. The evening is yours to explore the city's endless dining options.
Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, formerly known as the biggest fish and seafood market in the world, to get an idea of how important this industry is in Tokyo. Then enjoy a fresh sushi lunch at the local restaurant nearby.
Join your Expedition leader to discover Tokyo's captivating contrasts - from the bustling Shibuya Crossing and the serene Meiji Shrine to the sophisticated elegance of Ginza. Experience how tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
Leave the neon behind for the tranquil Fuji-Hakone region-a landscape of ancient forests and crater lakes, with majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. Stroll the shores of Lake Ashi. Arrive at your traditional ryokan (guesthouse) in the late afternoon. Slip into a cotton yukata and find deep relaxation in the mineral-rich waters of the onsen (hot spring). Conclude the day with a multi-course Kaiseki dinner, a masterpiece of seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Stroll along the scenic lakeside at Hakone-Machi Port, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.
Experience the ancient traditions of Japan with a night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. The oldest hotels in the world are ryokans, a place for travelers of the 8th century to rest. Here you can soak in the rich mineral water of the onsen hot spring. For dinner indulge in a traditional kaiseki meal, a multi-course meal boasting seasonal ingredients, varies textures and a balance of flavors all tied together with precise presentation.
Start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and a final soak in the onsen. Then, experience the speed and engineering marvel of the shinkansen "bullet train" watching the countryside blur past on the ride to Kyoto. Enjoy a bento lunch on board. In Kyoto, step into a world of grace with an authentic tea ceremony led by a Maiko (apprentice geisha). Watch the precise, fluid movements during a traditional dance and learn the symbolism behind the kimono and gestures, gaining a rare, intimate glimpse into the city's guarded geisha culture.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Enjoy an authentic traditional tea ceremony hosted by a real Kyoto geisha, also called a geiko, or their apprentice called a maiko! Watch as they perform a traditional Japanese dance in a room where you and other guests will be allowed to take pictures. During the performance, learn the meanings and symbolisms of the outfits, and dance of the Geisha.
Seek stillness at Joju-ji Temple with an exclusive Zen meditation session. Guided by a local priest, learn the principles of zazen in a hall normally closed to the public, finding quiet amidst the rustling bamboo and moss gardens. After, share a shojin ryori (vegetarian) meal with the monks, engaging in conversation about their daily lives. In the afternoon, walk the "nightingale floors" of Nijo Castle, designed to chirp under footsteps to warn of intruders. Explore the elegant wooden corridors and painted screens of this Shogunate residence, as your Expedition Leader illuminates the history of the samurai who once walked these halls.
Step off the busy street and into the quiet world of Joju-ji Temple. This significant Zen Buddhist temple, originally founded in 810 AD and rebuilt during the early Edo Period of 17th century, serves as a sacred place for the practice and teaching of the Zazen school of Zen Buddhism. Take part in a guided zazen meditation led by a Zen priest, held in a private temple hall not open to the public, offering a rare space for reflection and clarity away from the pace of everyday life. Enjoy a traditional lunch with the monks and continue the conversation to deepen your understanding of Buddhism in Japan.
Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both. Join your expedition leader to tour the grounds of the castle and hear stories of the historic samurai-era architecture and rule during the Edo Period.
Walk through the endless tunnel of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Watch the sunlight filter through the orange pillars as you wind up the forested hillside, a place of deep spiritual energy dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. For lunch, immerse yourself in Kyoto's craftsmanship at the Kizakura Sake Brewery. Learn the brewing process and sample three premium sakes, paired with a lunch of sashimi and local delicacies. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Kyoto's atmospheric alleyways or visit the Gion district at your own pace.
Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.
Visit a local sake brewery and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Learn about traditional brewing techniques and sample a selection of premium sakes paired with a seasonal lunch. Discover how Japan's celebrated rice wine reflects Kyoto's craftsmanship and culture.
During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings.
Board the shinkansen "bullet train" for the journey to Hiroshima. The afternoon holds a deeply moving private meeting with an A-bomb survivor. Listen to their firsthand account and reflections on peace - a powerful, emotional encounter that connects you directly to the human history of the city. Afterward, walk through the Peace Memorial Park, pausing at the Atomic Bomb Dome and the cenotaphs. Gain insight into the city's resilience before concluding the day with a traditional Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner, watching the savory pancakes cooked on a hot griddle.
Walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.
Have an intimate experience with a survivor of the atomic bomb. They will share their personal experience from the bomb dropping and a reflection of peace.
Dig into the delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. This famous savoury dish is known as the "soul food" of Hiroshima. The city's specialty is to layer an abundance of cabbage and yakisoba (fried noodles) and meat, topped with a fried egg, sacue and aonori (dried seaweed fleeks).
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Travel to the coastal samurai town of Hagi, a G for Good-supported community. Begin with a welcome ceremony before splitting into small groups to visit local homes. Join families to prepare a seasonal lunch, gaining a personal window into daily life and the warmth of Japanese hospitality. Try your hand at calligraphy and share stories over tea, supporting the preservation of the town's heritage. Return to Hiroshima in the evening for a light, tapas-style dinner, reflecting on the profound human connections made in Hagi.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Get to know a local family at this G Adventures for Good-supported community in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living. Feel the warmth of community with a welcome ceremony. Then learn about local history and customs while cooking a homemade meal with your hosts, try Japanese calligraphy and sip tea as you get to know your hosts.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Step into the heat and rhythm of a swordsmith's workshop for a rare look at an ancient craft. Watch the master forge a samurai blade, observing the sparks fly, and take the hammer yourself to strike the steel, feeling the reverence of the tradition. After a local lunch, board the shinkansen to Osaka. Arrive in the evening and settle in with a casual ramen dinner, savoring the rich broth and noodles of one of Japan's most beloved comfort foods in its culinary capital.
Slurp down a delicious bowl of ramen in Japan's foodie capital. Whether you prefer soy sauce, misa or pork brother based ramen, tonight is your night to dig in.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Visit a swordsmith's workshop for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the ancient art of Japanese sword making - a craft that embodies Japan's spirit of discipline, precision, and beauty. Try your hand at striking the steel yourself, feeling the heat, rhythm, and reverence that defines this centuries-old tradition. During the visit, the swordsmith will also explain the process of forging and preserving Japanese swords, showcasing some of the beautifully maintained blades.
Stand before the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of power and resilience surrounded by massive stone walls and moats. Then, dive into the electrifying atmosphere of Dotonbori, Osaka's neon-lit foodie district, exploring at your leisure for lunch amidst the giant 3D signs and bustling street food stalls. In the evening, gather for a final presentation from the National Geographic Expeditions Expert, then enjoy a farewell Teppanyaki dinner. Watch as premium Wagyu beef is artfully grilled before your eyes - a culinary performance that marks a fitting finale to your trip.
Visit Osaka Castle, a dramatic symbol of Japan's feudal legacy and resilience. Walk the vast park, admire the golden accents of the main keep, and gain insight into the nation's turbulent samurai past. Don't forget to climb to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the Osaka skyline contrasted with the historic grounds.
Explore Osaka's vibrant culinary district, where neon lights and the aroma of sizzling street food fill the air. Take the opportunity to indulge in a restaurant of your choice in this vibrant part of town. Then continue on to wander through Osaka's lively shopping streets or pick up last-minute souvenirs.
An afternoon at leisure allows you to check off your list of "must-see" spots in Osaka.
Join a local expert for a wrap up presentation, reflecting on the journey and cultural insights gained throughout the trip.
Celebrate your final evening in Japan with an incredible dinner of teppanyaki, meaning broiled on a steel grill. Enjoy premium wagyu beef and other fresh seasonal ingredients that show off Japan's elevated culinary excellence.
Your expedition to Japan concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Signature: Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka tour:
Hakone, Japan
Hiroshima, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
4 Chome-1-3 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward
Osaka, Japan-542-0081
6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City
Tokyo, Japan-160-0023
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka tour:
Max 22, avg. 18.
Your G for Good Moment: A Day in the Hagi Community, HagiYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, TokyoYour Local Living Moment: Sumo Experience and Chanko Lunch with the Wrestlers, TokyoYour Foodie Moment: Tsukiji Market & Sushi Lunch, TokyoYour Local Living Moment: Maiko Tea Ceremony, KyotoSignature Moment: Expert-led Joju-ji Temple Zen Meditation, KyotoYour Foodie Moment: Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour, KyotoYour Foodie Moment: Okonomiyaki Dinner, HiroshimaYour Foodie Moment: Ramen Dinner, OsakaYour Hands-On Moment: Swordsmith Workshop, HiroshimaYour Foodie Moment: Teppanyaki Dinner, Osaka. Arrival transfer. Sumo Experience and Chanko Lunch with Wrestlers. Asakusa city tour. Tokyo city tour. Sightseeing around Hakone-machi Port. Hakone Shrine. Japanese Kaiseki dinner. Nijo castle visit. Fushimi Inari visit. Peace memorial park and museum visit. Visit Osaka castle. Visit Dotonbori. Departure transfer. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Witness the power of sumo training up close and share traditional hotpot with wrestlers, Experience the grace of Kyoto at a private tea ceremony and dance by an apprentice geisha, Strike the steel yourself in a swordsmith's workshop to learn the rhythm of the craft, Find stillness at Joju-ji Temple with an exclusive meditation session led by a Zen priest, Cook and connect with local families in the samurai town of Hagi sharing stories over tea.
On our tours in Japan we use a mix of private and public transport, making use of Japan's world famous transport system. From the super fast Shinkansen Bullet Train to Tokyo's extensive local train and subway network, we ride with the locals.
Hotels (10 nts), Ryokan (1 nt).
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures knows that worldwide, local cuisines define the cultures. We think sampling regional delicacies are intrinsic to truly experiencing the country. We want you to be able to try foods according to your individual tastes, comforts, and budgets.Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. At times, meals will be taken together as a group. Other times, your Expedition Leader will point you in the direction of several delicious options, and you will have free time to pick and choose at will. Often in Japan it is fun to get some snacks and beverages with the salarymen in the evenings at small restaurants, and other times it is fun to sit with a few friends at a sushi train. Your Expedition Leader will always strive to cater for all dietary requirements/preferences, but please keep in mind that Vegetarianism/Veganism and Gluten Free Options are very uncommon in Japan, especially in rural areas, so this may mean a more limited selection for you.Please refer to the Meals Included and Budget Information for information regarding included meals on your trip. Japan's kitchen is at your fingertips!
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Walking. Bullet Train. Private Vehicle.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Luggage size restriction All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples, mosques or other holy sites.
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.